The first game back of the season saw Ludlow take to the pitch with a strong 13-player squad, ready to get the new season underway.

As Ludlow settled into the game, Wyre Forest spotted an opportunity and, after nine minutes, took an early lead. But Ludlow refused to let the goal unsettle them and responded just 1 minute later.

Captain Ceri Thomas drove forward with determination and unleashed a shot on goal. Tabitha Worsley was perfectly positioned to pick up the rebound and calmly fired the ball into the back of the net to level the scores.

Both teams continued to battle hard, with plenty of strong play at both ends. Ludlow were soon awarded a penalty corner after a Wyre Forest foot in the D. Harriet Price stepped up to inject, sending a strong pass to Worsley, who made no mistake to score her second of the afternoon and put Ludlow ahead.

Ludlow were beginning to find their rhythm, making the ball do the work and producing some excellent passing down the wings through Scarlett Jones, Sidonie Allsop and Lauren Cadwallader.

Karen Hadley then took a quick 16 and sent a superb pass halfway up the pitch to Thomas. Thomas showed great skill to outwit the Wyre Forest defender before striking across the D and finding the net to make it 3–1 to Ludlow.

Wyre Forest refused to give up, and managed to pull a goal back just before half-time, leaving Ludlow with a narrow lead at the break.

The second half proved to be a real test of character. Ludlow briefly lost some focus, and Wyre Forest took full advantage, scoring three times to turn the game around and move ahead.

But Ludlow regrouped, refocused and came fighting back once again.

Following some fantastic play from Julie Chamberlain, Ludlow were awarded another short corner. Chamberlain stepped up to inject, with the ball worked through a series of passes involving Worsley and Cadwallader before Shaunagh Yarham produced a brilliant finish, volleying the ball into the top corner to bring Ludlow back into the game.

With the clock ticking down, Ludlow knew a draw was still within reach — but Wyre Forest were determined to make them work for it.

Tink Gwilliam, making her debut for Ludlow, showed great awareness and used the space brilliantly to intercept a Wyre Forest attack before carrying the ball forward and passing into the D.

The pressure continued, but with time running out, Ludlow were dealt another blow when captain Ceri Thomas was shown a green card and sent off for two minutes.

Despite being a player down, Ludlow’s defence stood firm. Hadley, Jess Lloyd, Charlotte Allsop and Price, alongside goalkeeper Annette Burgoyne worked tirelessly to keep Wyre Forest from breaking through the back line.

Then came the moment Ludlow had been fighting for.

With the final minute approaching, the levelling goal was in sight. Worsley drove forward with determination and fired the ball into the bottom corner to complete the comeback and secure a dramatic 5–5 finish.